Throughout Advent, I will be sharing songs and images that connect to each Sunday’s lectionary text. This week, the song is “The Trumpet Child,” by Over the Rhine.

The image is “The Last Trumpet (recto); Two studies of a right eye, a profile of an open-mouthed young man, the head of an eagle, and the head of a lion (verso)” by William Blake (British, London 1757–1827 London)

Sermon Text: Luke 21:25-36

We’re going to start with a little experiment this morning. I want you to close your eyes. I’m going to say one word, and I want you to pay attention to what comes to your mind first—especially the images, or pictures, but if words come to mind, first, pay attention to those, too. Okay? Here’s the word: